Tattoo Tuesdays: Caitlinn Curry

It might not be a Friday, but at least it’s time for another edition of Tattoo Tuesdays! The column has continued to gain popularity on campus, and I have loved hearing all of your positive feedback so far.

This week, I interviewed Caitlinn Curry about the stories behind her tattoos, and how they have showcased her growth and faith.

Caitlinn is currently a senior journalism and cross-cultural ministries double major.

Jen Morgan: How many tattoos do you have?Caitlinn Curry: Three.

JM: Where did you get your tattoos?CC: I got one in Nicaragua, one back home at Fire Body Arts and one in the Philippines.

JM: Which tattoo hurt the most?CC: Near the top of my wrist on my forearm tattoo.

JM: What is the most common question you get asked about your tattoos?
CC: “What does it say?”

JM: What is the most common misconception about people with tattoos?CC: People sometimes think you are a drug dealer if you have tattoos, which is ridiculous. Or that you’re never going to get a job, which is also not true.

JM: Which tattoo means the most to you?
CC: The one on my forearm, which says, “For such a time as this” from Esther 4:14. It reminds me of my identity in Christ and helps me to live out my calling wherever God has placed me in the moment.

One of Curry’s three tattoos is this script on her forearm; a portion of a verse from Esther.

JM: What are your plans for your next tattoo?
CC: My fiancée and I have considered getting our wedding rings tattooed, plus I have several other plans, too.

JM: Do you have a tattoo playlist? How do you handle the pain?
CC: I’ve never thought to listen to music while getting a tattoo! I definitely clench my teeth, though; it keeps me focused on one thing – getting through the pain.

JM: Do you go alone or with friends to your appointments?
CC: I’ve never gone without someone else, usually with only one other person.

JM: What advice would you give to someone considering getting a tattoo?
CC: Drink a sugary beverage before you go. Make sure the tattoo is something you really want and that you’ve thought about, and make sure it’s something timeless and profound to you. I recommend at least a year to think about it.

JM: What is one thing you wish everyone knew about tattoos?
CC: I wish that everyone knew that my tattoos were not for them. They’re not to make them happy – they’re for me. They represent profound parts of my testimony. Instead of superficially labeling people for tattoos, it’s important to remember what they mean to people.

Stay tuned next week for another edition of Tattoo Tuesdays! Have more questions about what it’s like to get a tattoo? Tweet me @JenMorgan94 – I’d love to answer your questions.

Jen Morgan, Column Writer
Jen is a senior journalism major from Boston. She loves makeup, puppies, cookies, tattoos and magazines, and will never turn down a trip to Sephora or Starbucks.